News

The Renters (Reform) Bill was passed in the House of Commons yesterday evening, albeit in heavily amended form. It is now headed to the House of Lords.

It retains the scrapping of Section 21 powers but now includes an indefinite timetable with the abolition not happening until a review has taken place on the ability of the county courts to deal with evictions.

Jacob Young, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Housing, told MPs:

“An efficient court system is critical to ensure confidence in the new system.”

Reflecting on the vote, safeagent’s chief executive, Isobel Thomson, says:

“safeagent supports the aims of the Bill but we need the detail surrounding the measures. Too many landlords will be reading about the changes the Bill will bring in and considering their position going forward, wondering should they remain in the sector. The detail would provide reassurance to them and also tenants.

“As ever, accredited agents will seek to reassure and inform but they need a timeline from Government for the changes to be implemented.”

More information of the passage of the bill is available here